After years of rigorous training and unwavering dedication, six karateka students from the Horizon Karate Centre have achieved their first black belts (Shodan first degree), solidifying their reputation as strong and upcoming karate professionals.
The prestigious grading ceremony took place at the SA JKA National held in the famous Ellis Park Arena on July 25, and James Martin, Nicholas Callegari, Daniel Gombe, Matthew Martin, Ampfa Phaswa, and Tristan Ferris were some of the students from across the country who were honoured and graded during this part of the ceremony.
According to Sensei Wendy Wannenburg, getting the black belt is a massive achievement, as it takes years of dedication, passion for the sport, and hours of training.
“The preparation for such grading requires commitment and many hours of hard work in the dojo, as well as privately. Getting to a black belt is only the beginning, and it comes with a huge amount of responsibility. They will now train for a minimum of two years before they will be considered to attempt a Nidan [black belt second degree] grading,” she said.
For Wendy, karate is more than just a physical sport — it’s a way of life. She says the belt represents not only technical proficiency but also personal transformation and evolution for her students.
During a visit by the Roodepoort Record, Wendy’s students expressed their extreme pride in themselves, saying it wasn’t a walk in the park. They each shared how this holistic journey cultivated their personal growth, physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional resilience.
